CHRISTMAS CHEER FOR EVERY BUDGET | THE PLAZA

I’m a planner. So, no-one is more surprised than me that December–and Christmas–has snuck up on me this year.2024 has flown by! But, as the month has turned over, I’ve started shopping for all the people on my nice list (and some who gave it a good try!).

A planner will go in with a plan. That includes an overall budget (with a little wiggle room) and some great, within-gift-budget ideas so that I come out of the silly season ready to relax into summer–rather than get another part-time job to pay off the credit card. So here are some of my favourite finds from The Plaza at a range of price points.

You can absolutely grab a great gift without breaking the bank. Key to success here is showing off how well you know your recipient and getting a little creative and really thoughtful to truly celebrate them. Little luxuries for top (hats, hair treatments or accessories) to toe (jandals for summer, cooling foot treatments and slippers), beauty minis, tasty treats and humorous novelty items all fit the bill here. There’s lots for the kids at this price–the littlies in particular will adore what you choose.

With a little more budget, there’s a lot more choice at The Plaza! Christmas is an amazing time to really spoil your nearest and dearest and I take real pleasure in finding treats that my friends and family deserve but never seems to buy for themselves. New body products in familiar fragrance variants, rich festive treats and–my favourite games the whole family can enjoy are great options. Or rather than a single gift, you could create a bespoke basket or box full of everything they love. I like to theme these–readers boxes, beach bags, foodie baskets and more.

For higher ticket gifts, I will have been listening for a while–picking up clues for the perfect surprise. I love experiential gifts–so often we don’t catch up in person enough so a dinner out or daytrip together is as much a treat for you as it is for them. Amazing Lego gifts, bikes and scooters, luxury accessories, jewellery and fragrance are all on my list.

Wrap it all up in sustainable papers or gift bags–or even make the wrapping part of the gift, using scarves and linens as packaging and present. Or, if you don’t share my love ofpersonally wrapping up each gift or, even worse, gift wrapping gives you festive fury, make full use of in-centre gift wrapping for a gold coin (or eftpos) donation to the very deserving Papaioea Rose City Lions, who distribute all proceeds back into the community.

A merry Christmas should be one that is affordable too. Whatever your budget, make the most of the season–taking some time to catch up with those you love most–after all, your presence is the best present of all!